Monday, September 27, 2010

Asian Magazine’s Poll ranks Malaysia Airlines 7 in the Top 10 Airlines Worldwide

Malaysia Airlines has made it to the 7th spot from the earlier 8th last year in the Top 10 Airlines Worldwide category under the Best in Travel Poll 2010 conducted by Smart Travel Asia, an Asian Magazine. The airliner also netted the 5th and 6th ranks in the Top 10 Airlines Cabin Service and Top 10 Airlines Business Class categories respectively. The top place in the poll went to Singapore Airlines, while the second, third, and fourth spots were claimed by Cathay Pacific, Emirates, and Thai Airways International respectively. The fifth place was shared by Jet Airways and Virgin Atlantic. British Airways grabbed the sixth spot and the seventh place was again a shared one between Lufthansa and Malaysia Airlines. The 8th and 9th positions went to Qantas and Korean Air respectively. Air France and Qatar had to together contend with the 10th spot.

A travel magazine on Asia called Smart Travel Asia conducted the poll. The poll was carried out to study the outlook of Smart Travel Asia readers towards their favourite travel brands. In order to give a truly global character to the poll, different nationalities were included in the exercises. While 60% of the voters belonged to Asia, 20% hailed from the UK and Europe, and another 20% from the US. It is noteworthy that Kuala Lumpur based Malaysia Airlines is a well known name in the Europe as it operates numerous flights especially to and from the UK.

The Senior General Manager - Managing Director’s Office, Mr Muzzaffar Othman stated that Asia has been airline’s key market and it was a matter of delight to have received the recognition as 60 percent of the voters were based in Asia. Mr. Othman saw the recognition as a further boost to the airline’s commitment to provide 5 star value services to its customers.

Monday, September 20, 2010

Tourist Attractions in Bangkok

Bangkok is one of the most popular and happening tourist spots in the world and that is why most of the flights to Bangkok are often cramming with foreign visitors. The city overwhelms tourists with stunning sights, effervescent nightlife, delightful food and best shopping experience. The Thai culture and history is reflected in places such as the Grand Palace and the National Museum. Apart from glorious treasures of history and relics, such places are admired for their fabulous architecture.

You can also visit the serene Lumpini Park which is sure to astound you with its picturesque beauty and allure. Additionally, the city has numerous mesmerising temples, such as Wat Phra Khaeo with the Emerald Buddha, Wat Pho and the colourful Wat Arun. For shopaholics, Bangkok is what they would like to call ‘the heaven.’ With amazing discounts available at various stores, you can have all that you want and that too without burning a hole in your pocket. Chatuchak Weekend Market, Suan Lum Night Bazaar, Siam Paragon and Robinsons Sukhumvit are some of the places where you would like to go for that truly wonderful shopping experience.

Bangkok is famous for its rejuvenating spas where you can either get yourself pampered or try out some specialised treatment massages. The culinary experience of the city also stands out. Bangkok has some of the most top of the line restaurants that serve mouth watering multi cuisine dishes. The city’s street food is equally delectable that is capable of fulfilling each and every gastronomic desire.

Bangkok boasts of world class cinema halls which are extremely modernised with excellent décor and stylish design. Bangkok is that rare city that has something for everyone. Catch any of the flights to Thailand and find out what the place has to offer to you.

Find in details all popular tourist attractions in here

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Cold Water over Virgin Blue Aspirations

Virgin Blue received a major blow with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) giving a tentative decision against the airline’s cooperation strategy with Delta and Air New Zealand. This is a major setback to Virgin Blue’s plans of putting up a serious challenge to its much bigger rival, Qantas. As per the ACCC, the alliance can kill competition in the trans-Tasman market of air passenger service. ACCC further pointed out that Virgin Blue is a major competitor to Air New Zealand and the alliance will jeopardise competition on numerous trans-Tasman routes. ACCC also justified its stand by clarifying that more than a million passengers will face an adverse impact if competition between Virgin Blue and Air New Zealand comes to an end. In other words, there would be a shortage of cheap flights. However, these observations have not been well received by many industry experts.

Insiders point out that some years back, Australian authorities granted approval to cooperation proposal between Air New Zealand and Qantas. This proposal had a much more far reaching impact and could not go through only because New Zealand Commerce Commission rejected it on the grounds of adversely impacting competition in New Zealand’s domestic sector. Both airlines had captured about 80% of the market at that point of time. This has naturally caused many to raise the question as to why this alliance was given the nod from Australia, while the current one has been shelved.

In fact, industry experts have gone on to point out many other flaws with the ACCC decision. These are:

- Credibility of calling Virgin Blue ‘Maverick’

- Tiger Role

- Competition is Presently Unsustainable

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Best 5 Honeymoon destinations in the World

There are a number of destinations around the world that show up when you search for a honeymoon holiday. However, there are a few destinations that actually fit the bill nicely. If you are also to embark on your honeymoon in the near future then look at the following destinations and the reasons why they are desired by many a newly wedded couples and holidaymakers alike.

Thailand

Thailand is home to some of the best know beach resorts such as Phuket, Koh Samui, Krabi and Pattaya. This is one destination that has all the trappings of a perfect honeymoon getaway. Apart from great beaches, Thailand boasts thrilling water sports, spectacular sight seeing, unspoilt and secluded spots which are safe too, lush vegetation as well as great fantastic shopping opportunities, delectable cuisines and myriad other activities to make your honey truly memorable. There is a great choice of airlines for flights to Bangkok and other Thailand cities.

Hawaii

The six islands of Hawaii are miles away from any main land and form a perfect honeymoon destination. A profusion of colours, snaking trails across the jagged peaks, dramatic volcanoes, picturesque landscapes, lush forests, picture perfect waterfalls and an awe-inspiring stretch of beaches are Hawaii’s key highlights. Although ranked amongst expensive destinations, you can find great deals if you book flights and hotels with agents who specialise in holidays to USA.

India

Kerala is one destination in India that has given many international honeymoon destinations a run for their business. The God’s own country as it is popularly called stuns its visitors with Kovallam beach that has reputation of being one of the finest in the world and draws honeymooners in droves on flights to India. A cruise on a luxurious house boat in the snaking back waters amidst verdant forests and tranquil surroundings is sure to make your honeymoon unforgettable.

South Africa

Kruger National Park, surprisingly for many, is home to a number of finest wedding and honeymoon venues wrapped in layers of lush and leafy vegetation. Kruger makes for a great and unique honeymoon escapade and is all about different shades of green, rivers, valleys and mountains, a rich flora and fauna and luxurious game lodges and romantic honeymoon suites at most venues. If you want to remain close to civilisation then pick Cape Town that enthrals with its host of romantic getaways for honeymoon couples. Flights to South Africa are cheap if booked in advance.

Australia

Sydney, one of the most liveable cities in the world is also a great place to embark upon your honeymoon. The city has many gems such as enchanting Sydney Harbour, the Harbour Bridge, the Opera house apart from immense natural grandeur that displays in its charming headlands, isolated bays and idyllic beaches of Bondi and Manly. Perth is a good choice for honeymooners for its most beautiful beaches, River Swan cruises and charming Fremantle and Rottnest Island. A number of flight and accommodation in these cities of Australia ensure a great choice for travellers.

Find the complete information on Popular Honeymoon Destinations in the World here